Rheinmetall Сompletes Acquisition of Shipbuilding Company NVL

Rheinmetall has completed the acquisition of one of Germany’s largest shipyards, Naval Vessels Lürssen (NVL), which was part of the Lürssen Group.

Rheinmetall announced this in a press release.

Following the announcement of the agreement in September 2025 and the signing of the purchase agreement in October 2025, the concern received all the necessary antitrust approvals for the acquisition of the shipbuilding company, including all its subsidiaries. The transition was completed on March 1, 2026.

“With this strategic acquisition, Rheinmetall is creating a German system house for the development and production of modern ships for the navy and coast guard, as well as autonomous surface systems. The company is thus expanding its portfolio in the maritime domain and strengthening its position as a comprehensive supplier of defense technologies in Germany and Europe,” the company said.

NVL is a private group of shipbuilding companies that brings together four shipyards in northern Germany (Peene-Werft in Wolgast, Blohm+Voss and Norderwerft in Hamburg, and Neue Jadewerft in Wilhelmshaven) and also has international offices.

The company employs around 2,100 people and had a turnover of approximately €1 billion in 2024. NVL is considered a pioneer in the development of autonomous surface systems.

In November 2024, NVL began construction of the first new-generation Type 424 reconnaissance ship for the German Navy. Germany plans to acquire a total of three such ships.

The first ship is scheduled for delivery in 2029, with the other two expected in 2030 and 2031, respectively. The total cost of the program was initially estimated at €2.1 billion, but by 2023 it had risen to €3.3 billion.